Our role

The Ombudsman is an independent officer of the Western Australian Parliament. One of the Ombudsman’s principal functions is to receive, investigate and resolve complaints about public authorities (including State Government departments, statutory authorities and boards, local governments and universities).

The Ombudsman provides a free, independent and impartial service to assist members of the public to resolve their complaints. For more information, see the About us and How to make a complaint sections of our website.

How public authorities can help

State Government department and agencies, local governments and universities provide services to children and young people and their families. As such, issues may arise resulting in a child or young person complaining to the agency, or complaining about the agency to the Ombudsman.

Agencies should consider that often, for a child or young person, making a complaint is a big deal. Agencies should be mindful of the needs of children and young people when they make a complaint, and during the complaints process.

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Our commitment

The Ombudsman recognises that young people under 18 use complaint systems less than other people. The Ombudsman is committed to raising awareness of the Ombudsman’s role and making the office’s services accessible to all.

Complainants can come to the Ombudsman at any stage in the complaint process. The Ombudsman can, and does, take a proactive approach when dealing with complaints made by children and young people.